Eventually, Thanoth, a dedicated patriot of the Empire, uncovered Vader's true identity as Anakin Skywalker, and figured out Vader's plan to replace the Emperor. The inspector met and told Vader where he could find the wayward Doctor Aphra on Cosmatanic Steppes. Thanoth was subsequently killed instantly by the Sith Lord's lightsaber to keep his secret, although Thanoth believed it was for the best of the Empire that Vader succeeded.[1]